Governor-elect of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, has advised outgoing governor Abiola Ajimobi to warn the chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, against making long term plans as regards the 2019 hajj operations.
Makinde, in a letter addressed to Ajimobi and made available to OYO INSIGHT, explained that he understands the fact that the chairman and the board have the right to function in that capacity till the end of the administration, he said it is unacceptable and mischievous for the board to be making long term plans that are well beyond May 29th, 2019 with regards to the coming hajj operation.
This is just as Makinde said his administration will not be bound to accept any of the arrangements, including transportation, accommodation and welfare of Oyo State pilgrims for the coming hajj operations.
Senator Isiaka Ajimobi
Executive Governor
Oyo State.
Your Excellency
Since March 11 this year and 48 hours after the Gubernatorial election, I have observed serial infractions that connote efforts to thwart smooth transition come May 29, 2019 under the guise of spurious legitimacy.
I have highlighted some of them to the public through my Campaign office including but not limited to deliberate haste to rush out fresh contracts, backed with mobilisation, running into billions of naira even while other residual issues of more importance were crying for attention.
The instruction to LG Chairmen to mop up the stabilization account which was a strategic savings is also one of the infractions I refer to.
I wish to draw your attention to yet another development in similar manner presently playing out at the Oyo state Muslim Wing of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, which continues to make far reaching plans and even radio announcements in relation to the Board’s activities beyond May 29th 2019, when it is crystal clear that the tenure of this out going government ends on the above stated date.
While the Chairman and the board are still well within their rights to function in that capacity till the end of this out going administration, it is however unacceptable and mischievous for the board to be making long term plans that are well beyond May 29th, 2019 with regards to the coming hajj operation, as my administration will not be bound to accept any of these arrangements, including transportation, accommodation and welfare of oyo state pilgrims for the coming hajj operations.
Any action executed by the board that will continue after May 29th will be considered to have been initiated in bad faith.
I therefore, call on your Excellency sir, to prevail and rein in all overzealous officials who may wrongfully perceive the lame duck situation in Oyo state as a gold rush.
I thank you as I anticipate your utmost and sincere cooperation in this matter.
Signed:
Engr Seyi Makinde
Governor Elect of Oyo State
